1985 Ranger 2WD Lift

[ISX_15]

is there any parts out there for a 2wd drivetrain on a 1985 ranger to lift/level?
something that isnt going to break the bank and can be easily installed.
im looking to atleast get a decent lift to fit bigger wheels and hold a bit more weight. nothing crazy high just something to kinda give it a little growth it needs.

also, what are the biggest tires i can fit on it comfortably? im too lazy to measure and this is my first project, i'd prefer to learn off of someone whos "been there, done that"

 

[Uncle Gump]

I personally have never lifted a 2WD... I really wanted to do the Skyjacker lift on my first gen... but it just never happened.

There are several suppliers that offer these kits... they typically aren't cheap and pretty labor intensive. There is a list in the Tech Library...

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/lift-kit-providers-for-your-2wd-ford-ranger/

Just putting new springs under the truck will help... and will help with load capacity. Maybe a small lift block in the rear.... washer lift in the front... could let you up the tire size a bit. Use a bit of caution when up sizing the tire... you can quickly over tire your gear ratio.

 

[Curious Hound]

If you lift the front using taller springs or spacers, keep in mind that you will most likely need caster/camber adjustment bushings with a wider range of adjustment.

 

[ISX_15]

I personally have never lifted a 2WD... I really wanted to do the Skyjacker lift on my first gen... but it just never happened.

There are several suppliers that offer these kits... they typically aren't cheap and pretty labor intensive. There is a list in the Tech Library...

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/lift-kit-providers-for-your-2wd-ford-ranger/

Just putting new springs under the truck will help... and will help with load capacity. Maybe a small lift block in the rear.... washer lift in the front... could let you up the tire size a bit. Use a bit of caution when up sizing the tire... you can quickly over tire your gear ratio.

i have the 5 speed manual trans, probably going to have it rebuilt, but as of now, if i were to have it a bit taller, what would you say is reasonably a "decent" size wheel to go with, where rubbing wouldn't be a issue.
can you also explain what you mean by "over tire gear ratio"? thx

 

[Uncle Gump]

The site owner has spent many hours over the last 20 or so years compiling pretty much everything you need to know about your Ranger in the Tech Library. You should take some time and cruise through there and you can answer most of your questions. But start here to determine your axle and the gear ratio.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-7-5-8-8-inch-axle-tag-door-codes/

Once you have done that... have a look here to determine what tire sizes will work best with your ratio.

https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to_pages/gear_ratio_tire_size_chart.shtml

The whole idea is to keep you engine operating in the designed power band. If you put to tall of a tire for your ring and pinion size... the truck will feel underpowered. A practical example of this might be... a hill on a freeway that your truck would normally pull along in 5th gear. You put a taller tire on it... you may very well have to downshift a gear to maintain speed on that very same hill.

 

[ISX_15]

The site owner has spent many hours over the last 20 or so years compiling pretty much everything you need to know about your Ranger in the Tech Library. You should take some time and cruise through there and you can answer most of your questions. But start here to determine your axle and the gear ratio.

https://www.therangerstation.com/tech/ford-7-5-8-8-inch-axle-tag-door-codes/

Once you have done that... have a look here to determine what tire sizes will work best with your ratio.

https://www.therangerstation.com/how-to_pages/gear_ratio_tire_size_chart.shtml

The whole idea is to keep you engine operating in the designed power band. If you put to tall of a tire for your ring and pinion size... the truck will feel underpowered. A practical example of this might be... a hill on a freeway that your truck would normally pull along in 5th gear. You put a taller tire on it... you may very well have to downshift a gear to maintain speed on that very same hill.

aha gotcha, appreciate the help buck!